medal

¹med·al

noun \ˈme-d^əl\

Definition of MEDAL

1

: a small usually metal object bearing a religious emblem or picture

2

: a piece of metal often resembling a coin and having a stamped design that is issued to commemorate a person or event or awarded for excellence or achievement

Examples of MEDAL

1. He was awarded a medal for his heroism.
2. <the display case held an impressive array of military medals from World War II>

Origin of MEDAL

Middle French medaille, from Old Italian medaglia coin worth half a denarius, medal, from Vulgar Latin *medalis half, alteration of Late Latin medialis middle, from Latin medius — more at mid

First Known Use: circa 1578

Related to MEDAL

Synonyms: medallion, order

Related Words: medalet; decoration, honor; crown, insignia, laurel, ribbon, title; bronze, gold, silver; badge, button, chevron, clasp, cockade, color, ensign, rosette, star; distinction; award, prize, trophy; citation, commendation

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Rhymes with MEDAL

heddle, meddle, pedal, peddle, treadle